How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet After Use
You can use a small amount of soap.
How to clean a cast iron skillet after use. If needed use a pan scraper for stuck on food. Make sure your pan is dry before storing it. Use caution when transporting the skillet back and forth between the range and the sink. When ready hand wash with a non abrasive sponge in warm water and mild detergent. If your old or new cast iron pans gets rust spots simply scour the rusty areas with steel wool until all traces of rust are gone.
Dry the cast iron with a clean towel and then place over low heat. Add about 1 2 tablespoons 15 30 ml of vegetable oil and after about 30 45 seconds use a paper towel to spread the oil around and coat the bottom and sides of the skillet and let cool. If rinsing and scrubbing aren t enough pour a few tablespoons of canola oil and a few tablespoons of kosher salt into the pan and use a paper towel to scrub the pan with this mixture until it comes clean then rinse. If the food is really cooked on you can always let the pan soak for a bit. Use a cloth or oven mitts to transport the skillet.
But don t let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. This applies to cast iron stainless steel ceramic and non stick pans alike. Prolonged exposure to water will increase the likelihood of rust. If too much oil or fat is applied to a cast iron pan during the seasoning process it can pool up. Rinse out with some hot water caution hot steam and return to the heat.
For stubborn stuck on food simmer a little water for 3 5 minutes then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. Wash dry and repeat seasoning process. Doing any of these things can ruin its natural seasoning. Because cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat the handle as well as all other portions of the skillet will be extremely hot. Return the cast iron skillet to the burner and turn the burner off.
Our seasoning care kit has everything you need to wash and care for cast iron the right way. The most important thing to know about cleaning cast iron skillets meaning non enameled is that you should not use soap soak it in water overnight or put it in the dishwasher. Allow your cast iron skillet to cool slightly add some water to cover the cooking area and leave sit. Dry the pan and coat with a thin layer of oil. Instead use very hot water and a mild non abrasive sponge to clean the pan after each use.